The name Kanisha has its origins in the Sanskrit language, which is an ancient Indo-Aryan language that dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "kanishtha," which means "youngest" or "smallest." It is believed that the name was originally used to refer to the youngest child in a family.

In ancient Hindu texts and scriptures, such as the Vedas and the Upanishads, there are references to the concept of "kanishtha" as a term used to describe the youngest or smallest among a group. However, there are no specific mentions of the name Kanisha itself in these texts.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kanisha can be traced back to the 6th century CE, when it was used by a Hindu princess from the Gupta Empire in India. Another notable historical figure with the name Kanisha was a 10th-century Sanskrit scholar and grammarian from Kashmir.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kanisha:

1. Kanisha Narayanan (born 1985), an Indian classical dancer and choreographer.
2. Kanisha Malara (born 1992), a Sri Lankan cricketer who played for the national women's team.
3. Kanisha Grayson (born 1980), an American author and motivational speaker.
4. Kanisha Kumari (1920-2002), an Indian freedom fighter and social activist.
5. Kanisha Arora (born 1988), an Indian fashion designer and entrepreneur.

While the name Kanisha has its roots in Sanskrit and Hindu culture, it has also been adopted by various other communities and cultures around the world, particularly in South Asia and the Indian diaspora.